Last year I got really real in this post about how much my Thanksgivings have changed. As we gear up for the holiday this year, and the holiday season in general, my question to my clients has been, “What is your strategy for getting through the holiday?” We have to take these occasions one day at a time, so let’s focus specifically on Thanksgiving.

Tips to creating a holiday strategy!

I sincerely hope you have someone to spend this wonderful holiday with. Some of the loneliest times of my life were when I was a soldier and was away from family during Thanksgiving. If you are alone this holiday, please know that my thoughts and prayers are with you.

If you are a guest, make arrangements ahead of time to make things easier for yourself. One of my clients included in his strategy driving separately, so he can arrive later and/or leave earlier. If you have dietary restrictions, make a dish you can bring, share, and enjoy. The host will likely be grateful. (My strategy includes taking Butternut Squash Gratin and an Apple Crisp with real Whipped Cream to the celebration this year!)

If you are the one hosting, accept as much help as you can get! Let people bring side dishes and desserts. Let everyone pitch in with the dishes, it’s actually kind of fun. Dinner may not come out perfect, and just accept that going in (and if it does, you will be pleasantly surprised).

In last year’s post I talked about how hard it was to talk to people about my life when I was ill. For this year, I have a little experiment for you to try. Instead of the usual turkey day banter of talking about harsh political differences, interrogating teenagers about what they are going to do with their lives, or listing one’s physical disabilities, try adding these wise suggestions to your strategy:

Don’t Explain, Don’t Complain, and Be Encouraging.

In Dr. Wayne Dyer’s book Excuses Begone!, he describes how complaining attracts more negative circumstances and people to you. That to me was pretty clear, and I knew no one liked to hear others complain. But the big idea for me was the genesis of complaints – explaining. You see, when you start to explain yourself, you inevitably fall into the complaining trap.

You are a free adult. You do not need to justify yourself to anyone. You do not have to share your plans and leave yourself open to criticism. When people know you are ill, they are full of well-meaning advice.

On the other hand, when people tell you what’s going on in their lives, be an encourager! I remember once at a family dinner my niece said she was interested in becoming an interior decorator. Everyone had a comment about how hard it would be, how she wouldn’t be able to get a job, or she wouldn’t make any money, etc. Although it was well-meaning advice, I thought it wasn’t quite fair to her. I said I thought she’d make a great interior designer. She is a very good listener and very observant, plus she has a flair for putting things together. With training and diligence, who knows how successful she could have become?! (She wound up pursing other career goals, but her house is gorgeous.)

This Thanksgiving, build into your holiday strategy, finding out about what others are doing and see how encouraging you can be. Your words of encouragement might be just the tipping point to help someone. By looking into others’ lives, it will help you see perspectives beyond your own. So, even if you have not recovered yet, you may get some ideas about the kinds of things you would like to do once you do.

Speaking of recovery, how would you like for this holiday season to be DRAMATICALLY different?

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Where’s Leah?

Healthier and Happier

I heard you speak in Northern Virginia in August, read your book, and then you and I talked on the phone. Fast forward about six weeks, and I am sooooo much healthier and happier! I have been using your products and eating as you suggest, and I’ve experienced nothing short of a miracle!

Nancy

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This is a wonderful book that gives you steps on how to get healthy and rid yourself of the symptoms of fibromyalgia. It also has good information in general for anyone suffering from a chronic disease. I recommend it to my patients with fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue, depression, and PTSD.

Elizabeth Case, MD

Love can survive Fibromyalgia

I can see a huge light at the end of the tunnel. I am following Leah’s protocol and I am excited. Now my husband and I can go for a coffee, small but like gold to me – and also walk along the Bay with our two Mini Schnauzers. Love can survive Fibromyalgia, however, you have to understand and appreciate how hard it is for your partner. Love to all.